Scientist Profile

Dr.Aparna Shankar Scientist aparnas.6110004@kerala.gov.in/ draparnashankar@gmail.com Dr.Aparna Shankar earned her PhD in Molecular Microbiology from the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, in 2017. Her doctoral research illuminated critical aspects of host–pathogen interactions and nutrient dependencies of a gastrointestinal opportunistic pathogen thereby laying the groundwork for potential novel antimicrobial therapies. Following this, she joined the Department of Pathogen Biology at BRIC–Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in Thiruvananthapuram as a Postdoctoral Researcher. There, Dr.Aparna led investigations into the shifts in microbial diversity, antibiotic resistance patterns and its molecular mechanisms of multi-drug-resistant isolates from aquatic biotopes in the post-2018 Kerala flood scenario. The work underscored the importance of One Health–oriented microbial surveillance in post-disaster settings. She also studied the effects of maternal postpartum antibiotic use on the infant gut microbiome through whole metagenome and resistome analysis, generating early evidence for the adoption of strict practices to regulate antibiotic administration aimed at preserving infant microbiome integrity and combating antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, she was engaged in teaching Biotechnology students at the postgraduate level. Dr Aparna joined the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome as a scientist in January, 2025. She is involved in exploring the potential of plant-soil microbiota and development of a consortia to enhance crop yield and strengthen disease resistance within agricultural systems. Additionally, she is also investigating ways to enhance climate resilience by improving microbe-driven carbon sequestration. Another major focus of interest lies in the validation of Ayurveda and other traditional medicinal systems for their microbiome-modulating health benefits through emerging integrative approaches in research.

Dr.Karthika S Scientist karthika.6110003@kerala.gov.in/ karthikascoem@gmail.com Dr.Karthika has research interests spanning the human microbiome, with an emphasison gut metagenome mining and probiotic product development.She earned Ph.D. from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB), Govt. of India, where her work focused on bacterial pathogenesis, biofilm formation, and alternative strategies to control antimicrobial resistance.She has also developed microbial consortia relevant to the coir industry.Her post-doctoral researchfocused on developing human-origin potential probiotic strains capable of producing urolithins, which are gut microbiota-derived metabolites known for their multifaceted health-promoting properties. During her CSIR-Research Associate tenure, she investigated changes in gut microbial diversity pattern in healthy population during interventions via targeted and shotgun metagenomics and focused on gut microbiota derived metabolites.She has expertise in metagenomics and big data analysis. Dr.Karthika joined the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome as a Scientist in January 2025. She is engaged in identifying microbial biomarkers associated with major gastric associated and life style disorders to address health concerns, treatment efficacy and explore prospects for translational microbiota-based therapies. She also focuses on the fermented food microbiome, development of probiotic products, and starter cultures for health benefits. Additionally, she is interested in collaborative projects focused on formulating beneficial microbial consortia for industrial applications.

Dr. Mahesh S Krishna Senior Scientist mahesh.6110002@kerala.gov.in/ maheshskrishna@gmail.com Dr. Mahesh S. Krishna completed his PhD in Biotechnology from University of Kerala in 2011.After his Post Doctoral tenure at Prince of Songkhla University, Thailand, and CSIR-RA at National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Dr. Mahesh joined as Fast Track Young Scientist (DST-SERB) at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram. After a tenure of three years as Assistant Professor at RGCB, he moved to Clout Bio Innovators Pvt Ltd as Chief Technical Officer and Director of Research. He has also received Post DoctoralFellowship from KSCSTE. He joined Centre of Excellence in Microbiome–KSCSTE as Senior Scientist in January, 2025 . He is specialized in the development of microbiome-based products and microbial applications.With extensive experience in translational research, he focuses on harnessing microbial diversity for innovations in health, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Mahesh is in charge of the product development and entrepreneurial support activities in different domains of microbiome. One of the major research areas focussed by Dr.Mahesh is in the validation and development of microbiome based probiotic products. This includes the development of microbiome-assisted feed formulations designed to enhance immunity, improve feed conversion ratios (FCR), and mitigate antimicrobial resistance in the poultry and aquaculture industries. He is also investigating on new process that lead to syngas/hydrogen production through fermentation, coupled to advanced clean and green energy generation. His work bridges fundamental microbiome science with real-world outcomes to benefit public health and industry.